Image layout size calculation apparatus, image layout size calculation method, image layout size calculation program, and recording medium storing the program

ABSTRACT

Provided are an image layout size calculation apparatus, an image layout size calculation method, and an image layout size calculation program which are capable of outputting an image with a small blurriness degree. A blurriness value is calculated for each image area, and the smallest blurriness value is decided (step S 24 ). Resolution of a printer that prints the image is read (step S 25 ). A layout size in which the blurriness value is equal to or smaller than a second threshold value is calculated based on the number of pixels of the image, the decided blurriness value, and the resolution of the printer (step S 26 ). By printing the image having a size equal to or smaller than the calculated layout size, the blurriness degree of the printed image is reduced.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of PCT International Application No.PCT/JP2019/009587 filed on Mar. 11, 2019, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-066739 filed onMar. 30, 2018. Each of the above application(s) is hereby expresslyincorporated by reference, in its entirety, into the presentapplication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image layout size calculationapparatus, an image layout size calculation method, an image layout sizecalculation program, and a recording medium storing the program.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a photo album or the like, an image to be used in the album isselected from a large number of images and the selected image is laidout (JP2014-199641A). User assistance is provided in such a layout. Anapparatus that determines the necessity of a plurality of image data(JP2013-143661A), an apparatus that changes the output size of the imagein a case of outputting (JP2005-236808A), and an apparatus that convertsthe image size on the output image that actually appears(JP2003-250040A) have been also considered. Further, an apparatus thatchecks the input image and the output size and format thereof, andreduces the resolution and the number of pixels of the input imageitself as necessary (JP2004-023322A), an apparatus that emphasizesblurriness of a subject other than a subject that is in focus in therefocused image (JP2016-024489A), and an apparatus that evaluates theblurriness state of the image (JP2015-156189A) have been alsoconsidered. Further, an apparatus that classifies and displays thethumbnail image according to the resolution to easily select the imagesuitable for a print size (JP2001-036843A).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a case of image output such as printing or displaying of the image,in a case where an original image is too large compared to the expectedoutput size, the output image may be blurred even though the originalimage is not blurred.

The object of the present invention is to be able to calculate a layoutsize such that an output image is not blurred.

An image layout size calculation apparatus according to an aspect of thepresent invention comprises a blurriness value decision unit thatdecides a blurriness value, which represents a blurriness degree, ofequal to or smaller than a first threshold value among blurriness valuesfor image areas, from one image, and a layout size calculation unit thatcalculates a layout size of the image in which the blurriness value isequal to or smaller than a second threshold value based on theblurriness value decided by the blurriness value decision unit, thenumber of pixels of the image, and resolution of an output apparatus ofthe image.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an image layout sizecalculation method. That is, the method comprises causing a blurrinessvalue decision unit to decide a blurriness value, which represents ablurriness degree, of equal to or smaller than a first threshold valueamong blurriness values for image areas, from one image, and causing alayout size calculation unit to calculate a layout size of the image inwhich the blurriness value is equal to or smaller than a secondthreshold value based on the blurriness value decided by the blurrinessvalue decision unit, the number of pixels of the image, and resolutionof an output apparatus of the image.

Still another aspect of the present invention provides acomputer-readable program that controls a computer of an image layoutsize calculation apparatus and a recording medium (portable recordingmedium) storing the program.

The image layout size calculation apparatus according to the aspect ofthe present invention may further comprise a processor, and theprocessor may decide a blurriness value, which represents a blurrinessdegree, of equal to or smaller than a first threshold value amongblurriness values for image areas, from one image, and calculate alayout size of the image in which the blurriness value is equal to orsmaller than a second threshold value based on the decided blurrinessvalue, the number of pixels of the image, and resolution of an outputapparatus of the image.

The image layout size calculation apparatus according to the aspect ofthe present invention may further comprise a sharpness emphasizing unitthat emphasizes a sharpness of the image. In this case, the layout sizecalculation unit calculates the layout size of the image in which theblurriness value of the image is equal to or smaller than the secondthreshold value based on the blurriness value decided by the blurrinessvalue decision unit, the number of pixels of the image, the resolutionof the output apparatus of the image, and an emphasis degree of asharpness by the sharpness emphasizing unit.

The image layout size calculation apparatus according to the aspect ofthe present invention may further comprise an output control unit thatmakes the image fit into a frame having a size equal to or smaller thanthe layout size calculated by the layout size calculation unit, andcauses the output apparatus to output the image.

For example, the output control unit makes the image fit into the framehaving the size equal to or smaller than the layout size calculated bythe layout size calculation unit, sets the resolution of the image to beequal to or smaller than the resolution capable of being distinguishedat an observation distance, and causes the output apparatus to outputthe image.

The image layout size calculation apparatus according to the aspect ofthe present invention may further comprise a frame designation unit thatdesignates the frame for outputting the image, a warning unit thatissues a warning in response to the size of the frame designated by theframe designation unit being larger than the layout size calculated bythe layout size calculation unit, and an output command inputting unitthat inputs an output command. In this case, the output control unitmakes the image fit into the frame designated by the frame designationunit and causes the output apparatus to output the image, in response tothe output command being input from the output command inputting unitafter the warning unit issues a warning.

The image layout size calculation apparatus according to the aspect ofthe present invention may further comprise a threshold value inputtingunit that inputs the second threshold value. In this case, the layoutsize calculation unit calculates the layout size in which the blurrinessvalue is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value input bythe threshold value inputting unit based on the blurriness value decidedby the blurriness value decision unit and the resolution of the outputapparatus of the image.

The image layout size calculation apparatus according to the aspect ofthe present invention may further comprise an image selecting unit thatselects an image having an allowable blurriness degree among a pluralityof sample images having different blurriness degrees. In this case, thethreshold value inputting unit inputs the second threshold valuecorresponding to the image selected by the image selecting unit.

The blurriness value decision unit may decide a smallest blurrinessvalue in the image from one image.

The layout size calculation unit calculates the layout size in which theblurriness of the image is eliminated, based on the blurriness valuedecided by the blurriness value decision unit, the number of pixels ofthe image, and the resolution of the output apparatus of the image.

In this case, the layout size calculation unit calculates a maximumlayout size in which the blurriness value is equal to or smaller thanthe second threshold value based on the blurriness value decided by theblurriness value decision unit, the number of pixels of the image, andthe resolution of the output apparatus of the image.

The image layout size calculation apparatus according to the aspect ofthe present invention may further comprise a blurriness valuecalculation unit that calculates a blurriness value representing ablurriness degree of an image area of a main subject in the image and ablurriness value representing a blurriness degree of an image areaexcluding the main subject, and an image processing unit that performsimage processing that maintains a relationship between the blurrinessvalue representing the blurriness degree of the image area of the mainsubject and the blurriness value representing the blurriness degree ofthe image area excluding the main subject which are calculated by theblurriness value calculation unit, with respect to the image fitted intothe frame having the size equal to or smaller than the layout sizecalculated by the layout size calculation unit. In this case, the outputcontrol unit makes the image subjected to the image processing by theimage processing unit fit into the frame having the size equal to orsmaller than the layout size calculated by the layout size calculationunit, and causes the output apparatus to output the image.

According to the present invention, since the layout size of the imagein which the blurriness value is equal to or smaller than the secondthreshold value can be calculated, the image having a low blurrinessdegree or no blurriness by outputting the image with the size equal toor smaller than the calculated layout size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of an imagelayout size calculation apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image layoutsize calculation apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an example of an image.

FIG. 4 is an example of an image divided into a plurality of imageareas.

FIG. 5 shows a relationship between a blurriness value and anenlargement/reduction rate.

FIG. 6 shows an appearance in which the image is inserted in an imageinsertion frame.

FIG. 7 shows a relationship between the blurriness value and theenlargement/reduction rate.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an image output processing procedure.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a layout size calculation processingprocedure.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an image output processing procedure.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the layout size calculation processingprocedure.

FIG. 12 is an example of a blurriness value setting window.

FIG. 13 is an example of the blurriness value setting window.

FIG. 14 is an example of the blurriness value setting window.

FIG. 15 is an example of an image ratio setting window.

FIG. 16 is an example of an album size setting window.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing procedure of theimage layout size calculation apparatus.

FIG. 18 is an example of an image.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and is a blockdiagram showing an electric configuration of an image layout sizecalculation apparatus 1.

The entire operation of the image layout size calculation apparatus 1 iscontrolled by a central processing unit (CPU) 2.

The image layout size calculation apparatus 1 includes a displayapparatus 3 that displays an image and other information on a displayscreen and a communication apparatus 4 that is connected to the Internetand other network and communicates with apparatuses other than the imagelayout size calculation apparatus 1. Also, the image layout sizecalculation apparatus 1 includes a hard disk 5, a hard disk drive 6 foraccessing the hard disk 5, a memory 7 that stores data, and a keyboard 8and a mouse 9 for inputting commands. Furthermore, the image layout sizecalculation apparatus 1 includes a compact disk drive 10 for accessing acompact disk 11 and a memory card reader and writer 12 for performingdata writing on a memory card 13 and reading the data recorded in thememory card 13. Furthermore, the image layout size calculation apparatus1 includes a printer 14 that prints an image.

An operation program of the image layout size calculation apparatus 1 tobe described below is received by the communication apparatus 4 via theInternet. The received operation program is installed in the imagelayout size calculation apparatus 1. The operation program may berecorded in a portable recording medium such as the compact disk 11 andread from the portable recording medium without being installed in theimage layout size calculation apparatus 1 after being received by theimage layout size calculation apparatus 1 via a network such as theInternet. In this case, the operation program read from the portablerecording medium is installed in the image layout size calculationapparatus 1. It is needless to say that the operation program is capableof being read by a CPU 2 (computer) of the image layout size calculationapparatus 1.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image layoutsize calculation apparatus 1. The processing shown in FIG. 2 is executedby the CPU 2 of the image layout size calculation apparatus 1.

In the present embodiment, in a case where an image is output (displayedor printed), the layout size of the image is decided such that ablurriness value representing a blurriness degree is equal to or smallerthan a predetermined threshold value (second threshold value describedbelow). By enlarging and outputting the image, it is possible to preventthe blurriness from be conspicuous.

Desired image data of image data, representing the image, stored in thememory card 13 is read from and input to the CPU 2 (step S21). FIG. 3 isan example of an image I1 represented by the input image data.

In a case where the image data is read, the image I1 represented by theread image data is divided into a plurality of image areas by the CPU 2(step S22).

FIG. 4 is an example in which the image I1 is divided.

With reference to FIG. 4, the image I1 is divided into a total of 24image areas B1 to B24, four in a width direction and six in a heightdirection. The image I1 does not necessarily have to be divided into 24image areas B1 to B24. The image I1 need only be divided into aplurality of image areas. However, it is not necessary to divide theimage I1 into a plurality of image areas because it is sufficient toknow the image areas of equal to or smaller than a first threshold valueas described below.

Returning to FIG. 2, in a case where the image I1 is divided into aplurality of image areas B1 to B24, the CPU 2 calculates the blurrinessvalue for each image area of the divided image areas B1 to B24 (stepS23). The blurriness value represents a blurriness degree of the image,and is a degree of change in the shade of the boundary between thesubjects included in the image. The smaller the degree of change inshade of the boundary of the subject included in the image, the largerthe blurriness degree of the image area, and the larger the blurrinessvalue. An edge strength is detected for the image areas and theblurriness value is known from the edge strength (the larger the edgestrength value, the smaller the blurriness value, and the smaller theedge strength value, the larger the blurriness value, for example, theblurriness value need only be the reciprocal of the edge strengthvalue). The edge strength can be calculated by obtaining how many inchesthe pixel of interest is to be moved to cause a predetermined amount ofbrightness change (in a case of being recorded in 256 levels of 0 to 255(8 bits), for example, 50 levels, and in a color image consisting of 3channels of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), it may be the largestchange in brightness changes thereof) in the image area (it may becalculated in pixel units and divided by the output resolution, or imagedata may be calculated in inches from the beginning).

The CPU 2 (blurriness value decision unit) decides the blurriness valueof equal to or smaller than the first threshold value among theblurriness values calculated for the image areas of the divided imageareas B1 to B24 (step S24). The first threshold value may be decided inadvance, or input by a user. For example, the smallest blurriness valueamong the blurriness values calculated for the image areas of thedivided image areas B1 to B24 may be the first threshold value. In acase where a plurality of the blurriness values equal to or smaller thanthe first threshold value are present, the smallest blurriness value maybe decided, but another blurriness value equal to or smaller than thefirst threshold value may be decided. In a case where there is noblurriness value equal to or smaller than the first threshold value, thefirst threshold value may be increased repeatedly until the blurrinessvalue equal to or smaller than the first threshold value is found, orthe user may be notified that the image is too blurred.

Data representing the resolution of the printer 14 that prints the imageI1 is read from the printer 14 (step S25). In a case where the image I1is printed by a different printer from the printer 14 included in theimage layout size calculation apparatus 1, data representing theresolution of the printer that prints the image I1 is input to the CPU2.

In a case where the image I1 is printed by the printer 14, the imagelayout size in which the blurriness value is equal to or smaller thanthe second threshold value is decided by the CPU 2 (layout size decisionunit) based on the number of pixels of the image I1, the decidedblurriness value, and the resolution of the printer (step S26). Forexample, it is assumed that the printer 14 prints the image I1, thenumber of pixels of the image I1 in a width direction (horizontaldirection) is Px pixels, the number of pixels in a height direction(vertical direction) is Py pixels, the resolution of the printer 14 is n[dpi] (dots per inch), the decided blurriness value is V1, and thesecond threshold value is V2.

In a case where the decided blurriness value V1 is equal to or smallerthan the second threshold value V2, the image I1 need only be printedwithout reducing the size of the image I1 decided based on the number ofpixels of the image I1 and the resolution of the printer 14. Therefore,the layout size of the image I1 in the width direction is represented byPx/n [dpi], and the layout size of the image I1 in the height directionis represented by Py/n [dpi]. For example, it is assumed that theprinter 14 prints the image I1, the number of pixels of the image I1 inthe width direction (horizontal direction) is 2560 pixels, the number ofpixels in the height direction (vertical direction) is 1920 pixels, thetotal pixel is about 5 million pixels, and the resolution of the printer14 is 300 dpi (dots per inch). The image layout size in which theblurriness value of the image to be printed is equal to or smaller thanthe second threshold value V2 is Px/n [dpi]=2560 pixels/300 [dpi]=8.5[inch] in the width direction, and Py/n [dpi]=1920 pixels/300 [dpi]=6.4[inch] in the height direction.

In a case where the decided blurriness value V1 is larger than thesecond threshold value V2, even in a case where the image I1 is printedwithout reducing the size of the image I1 decided based on the number ofpixels of the image I1 and the resolution of the printer 14, theblurriness value of the printed image is not different from the decidedblurriness value V1, and thus the blurriness value of the printed imagemay be larger than the second threshold value V2. Therefore, the imageI1 is printed by reducing the size of the image I1 decided based on thenumber of pixels of the image I1 and the resolution of the printer 14according to the ratio between the decided blurriness value V1 and thesecond threshold value V2.

FIG. 5 shows a relationship between the blurriness value and anenlargement/reduction rate of the image (an enlargement rate and areduction rate). In FIG. 5, the lateral axis represents the blurrinessvalue, and the vertical axis represents the enlargement/reduction rate.

The graph y=f(x) shows that in a case where the blurriness value of theimage in a case where the enlargement/reduction rate is 100% (theenlargement/reduction rate of 100% means neither enlarging nor reducing)is x0, how much reduction rate is required to make the blurriness valueof the image after reduction be x0 in a case where the blurriness valueof the same image is larger than x0. The graph y=f(x) can be decided byactually enlarging or reducing a large number of images having differentblurriness value. In FIG. 5, there is a relationship of the blurrinessvalues x0<x1<x2<x3<x4<x5<x6. For example, in a case where the blurrinessvalue is x2, the blurriness value of the image after reduction is x0 ina case of the reduction rate of 50%, and in a case where the blurrinessvalue is x4, the blurriness value of the image after reduction is x0 ina case of the reduction rate of 25%. The reduction rate (or theenlargement rate) refers to the reduction rate (or the enlargement rate)of the length of one side of the image. It should be noted that x0 to x6are merely values provided for the purpose of explanation, and theblurriness value does not need to be a discrete value, and may be adiscrete value or a continuous value.

For example, in a case where the decided blurriness value V1 correspondsto x2 and the second threshold value V2 corresponds to x0, in a casewhere the size of the image I1 decided based on the number of pixels ofthe image I1 and the resolution of the printer 14 is reduced by thereduction rate of 50%, the blurriness value of the image after reductionbecomes equal to or smaller than the second threshold value V2. Forexample, it is assumed that the printer 14 prints the image I1, thenumber of pixels of the image I1 in the width direction (horizontaldirection) is 2560 pixels, the number of pixels in the height direction(vertical direction) is 1920 pixels, the total pixel is about 5 millionpixels, and the resolution of the printer 14 is 300 dpi (dots per inch).The size of the image printed with the enlargement/reduction rate of100% is Px/n [dpi]=2560 pixels/300 [dpi]=8.5 [inch] in the widthdirection, and Py/n [dpi]=1920 pixels/300 [dpi]=6.4 [inch] in the heightdirection. In a case where the image of such a size is reduced by thereduction rate of 50%, the blurriness value of the reduced image becomesequal to or smaller than the second threshold value V2. The layout sizeof the image after reduction is 8.5 [inch]×½=4.25 [inch] in the widthdirection and 6.4 [inch]×½=3.2 [inch] in the height direction.

In a case where the image is printed by the printer 14 with a size equalto or smaller than the decided layout size, the blurriness value of theprinted image becomes equal to or smaller than the second thresholdvalue V2. However, instead of calculating the layout size of the imageto be equal to or smaller than the second threshold value V2, the layoutsize of the image in which the blurriness is eliminated may becalculated. The second threshold value V2 need only be set to a value inwhich the blurriness of the image is eliminated.

The maximum layout size may be calculated among the layout sizes whichare equal to or smaller than the second threshold value V2, or thelayout size smaller than the maximum layout size may be calculatedinstead of the maximum layout size. As described above, it is necessaryto compare the decided blurriness value V1 and the second thresholdvalue V2 as values to be output with the same resolution. The sameresolution is, for example, the resolution of the printer to output, butit is not always necessary to calculate the blurriness value based onthe resolution of the printer itself during the calculation processing.For example, in a case where 96 dpi is recorded as the recommendedoutput resolution in the exchangeable image file format (Exif) region ofthe image I1, the blurriness value V1 at 300 dpi may be calculateddirectly while ignoring the recording at 96 dpi, however, the blurrinessvalue at 96 dpi may be calculated, be converted to the blurriness valueV1 at 300 dpi (the blurriness value at 96 dpi may be multiplied by300/96), and be compared with the second threshold value V2.

FIG. 6 shows an appearance in which the image I1 is disposed.

A page 30 that configures the photo album is shown. The page 30 definesimage insertion frames 31 to 36. The image is enlarged or reduced, andinserted by the CPU 2 (an example of an output control unit) into theimage insertion frame of equal to or smaller than the layout sizecalculated as above among the image insertion frames 31 to 36. Forexample, in a case where the size of the image insertion frame 36 islarger than the calculated layout size, the image I1 is not insertedinto the image insertion frame 36. In a case where the image I1 isenlarged and inserted so as to fit into the image insertion frame 36,the blurriness value of the image after insertion becomes larger thanthe second threshold value V2. In a case where any of the imageinsertion frames 31 to 35 has a size equal to or smaller than thecalculated layout size, the image I1 is fitted in any of the imageinsertion frames 31 to 35. The blurriness value of the image I1 is equalto or smaller than the second threshold value V2.

According to the present embodiment, in a case where the image is outputby the printer 14, the blurriness value of the image can be suppressedto equal to or smaller than the second threshold value V2.

Other Embodiment

FIG. 7 corresponds to FIG. 5, and shows a relationship between theblurriness value in a case where the image is subjected to sharpnessprocessing (edge emphasis processing) and the enlargement/reduction rate(enlargement rate and reduction rate) of the image. In FIG. 7, thelateral axis represents the blurriness value, and the vertical axisrepresents the enlargement/reduction rate.

The graph y=fsharp(x) shows that in a case where the blurriness valueand the enlargement/reduction rate of the graph y=f(x) are related toeach other, the offset Δoff is generated and the enlargement/reductionrate is changed by performing the sharpness processing. Similarly to thegraph y=f(x), the graph y=fsharp(x) can be obtained by actuallyperforming enlarging or reducing and the sharpness processing on a largenumber of images having different blurriness values.

For example, in a case where the blurriness value of the image is x0 ina case of the enlargement/reduction rate of 100%, even in a case wherethe enlargement/reduction rate is 200% by performing the sharpnessprocessing, the blurriness value of the image is not changed from x0.Also, as described above, in a case where the sharpness processing isnot performed, for example, in a case where the blurriness value is x2and the enlargement/reduction rate is equal to or smaller than 50%, theblurriness value of the image after reduction is x0, however, in a casewhere the sharpness processing is performed, the blurriness value is x0in a state where the enlargement/reduction rate is 100%. In a case wheresharpness processing is not performed, in a case where the blurrinessvalue is x4, the blurriness value cannot be maintained at x0 unless theblurriness value is reduced by an enlargement/reduction rate of equal toor smaller than 25%, however, in a case where the sharpness processingis performed, the blurriness value can be maintained at x0 only byperforming reduction by the enlargement/reduction rate of equal to orsmaller than 50%.

By performing sharpness processing on the image, the blurriness degreecan be maintained without reducing the layout size of the image. Thesharpness processing is performed by the CPU 2 (sharpness emphasizingunit), but may be performed by using a dedicated device or the like.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an image output processing procedure. Theprocessing procedure is performed by the CPU 2 of the image layout sizecalculation apparatus 1.

The observation distance is input by the keyboard 8 or the like (stepS41). The observation distance is a distance to the image from (eyes of)the user who views the image in a case of viewing the image. Forexample, in the case of a photo album, the observation distance is about30 cm. In a case where an image is attached to the wall surface of thebuilding by a poster or the like, the observation distance is about 10m. The observation distance is determined according to the medium onwhich the image to be viewed is printed and the place where the mediumis placed.

In a case where the observation distance is input, the image is outputunder the control of the CPU 2 (output control unit) by the resolutionof equal to or smaller than the resolution capable of beingdistinguished at the observation distance (step S42). The resolutioncapable of being distinguished at the observation distance is obtainedas follows. In a case where 1 [cycle] of a sine wave is represented bytwo pixels of white and black, the maximum sensitivity is obtained from2 to 6 [cycle/deg], and the number of pixels per one visual angle isfrom 4 to 12 [pixel/deg]. In a case of the prints such as the photoalbum, the observation distance is about 30 [cm], and the width at theobservation distance of 30 [cm] at one visual angle is 0.3 sin 1°=0.5[mm], and thus the maximum sensitivity is maximized in a case of 4[pixel] to 12 [pixel] per 0.5 [mm]. Therefore, the resolution at theobservation distance of 30 [cm] is approximately 203 [dpi] to 610 [dpi].In a case where the image is attached to the wall surface of thebuilding, in a case where the observation distance is 10 [m], the widthat the observation distance of 10 [cm] is 10 sin 1°=17 [cm], and thusthe maximum sensitivity is maximized in a case of 4 [pixel] to 12[pixel] per 17 [cm]. The resolution at the observation distance of 10[m] is approximately 3 [dpi] to 18 [dpi].

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a layout size calculation processingprocedure (processing procedure of step S26 shown in FIG. 2).

The observation distance is input in the same manner as described above(step S51). The CPU 2 calculates the layout size in which the blurrinessvalue is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value V2 based onthe number of pixels of the image, the decided blurriness value V1, andthe resolution of the printer 14 (which is, in a case where the image isoutput from the output apparatus other than the printer, the resolutionof the output apparatus), and the resolution (ne) capable of beingdistinguished at the observation distance (step S52).

In a case where the resolution ne capable of being distinguished at theobservation distance is higher than the resolution n of the printer 14,the resolution n of the printer 14 is used. The layout size of the imageI1 in the width direction is represented by Px/n [dpi], and the layoutsize of the image I1 in the height direction is represented by Py/n[dpi]. On the contrary, the resolution ne capable of being distinguishedat the observation distance is lower than the resolution n of theprinter 14, the resolution ne capable of being distinguished at theobservation distance is used. The layout size of the image I1 in thewidth direction is represented by Px/ne [dpi], and the layout size ofthe image I1 in the height direction is represented by Py/ne [dpi].

As described above, in a case where the decided blurriness value V1 isequal to or smaller than the second threshold value V2, the image I1need only be printed without reducing the size of the image decidedbased on the number of pixels of the image I1 and the resolution n ofthe printer 14 or the resolution ne capable of being distinguished atthe observation distance. In a case where the decided blurriness valueV1 is larger than the second threshold value V2, the image need only beprinted by reducing the size.

The image can be output with the resolution capable of beingdistinguished by the user.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an image output processing procedure. Theprocessing procedure is performed by the CPU 2 of the image layout sizecalculation apparatus 1.

In the present embodiment, the frame for inserting the image isdesignated by the user. As shown in FIG. 6, the page 30 is displayed onthe display screen of the display apparatus 3, and the user designatesthe image insertion frame for inserting the image I among the imageinsertion frames 31 to 36 included in the page 30 (step S61). Forexample, the image insertion frame for inserting the image I isdesignated by dragging the image I by using the mouse 9 (an example of aframe designation unit) to any insertion frame among the image insertionframes 31 to 36.

In a case where the size of the designated image insertion frame islarger than the calculated layout size (YES in step S62), in a casewhere the image I is enlarged so as to be fit into the designated imageinsertion frame, the blurriness value of the image I after beinginserted into the image insertion frame exceeds the second thresholdvalue V2 in a case where the image is printed by the printer 14.Therefore, the CPU 2 (warning unit) issues a warning to the user (stepS63). For example, a message such as “image blurriness may beconspicuous” may be displayed on the display screen. In a case where adecision button displayed on the display screen of the display apparatus3 is pressed by the mouse 9 (output command inputting unit), anattachment command (output command) is given to the CPU 2 (YES in stepS64), the image I is attached to the designated image insertion frameand printed by the printer 14. In a case where a cancel button displayedon the display screen of the display apparatus 3 is pressed, a cancelcommand is given to the CPU 2 (NO in step S64), and another imageinsertion frame is designated by the user (step S61).

In a case where the size of the designated image insertion frame isequal to or smaller than the calculated layout size (NO in step S62),even in a case where the image I is attached to the designated imageinsertion frame, the blurriness value of the image after being attacheddoes not exceed the second threshold value V2 even in a case of beingprinted by the printer 14. Therefore, the processing of step S63 and theprocessing of step S64 are skipped, and the image I is attached to thedesignated image insertion frame (step S65).

Even in a case where the image is blurred, the image can be attached tothe image insertion frame designated by the user with the user'sapproval.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the layout size calculation processingprocedure (processing procedure of step S26 shown in FIG. 2).

In the present embodiment, the user can set the second threshold valueV2.

The user inputs the second threshold value V2 by using the keyboard 8(an example of a threshold value inputting unit) (step S71). Asdescribed above, the CPU 2 calculates the layout size in which theblurriness value is equal to or smaller than the input second thresholdvalue V2 based on the number of pixels of the image for which the layoutsize is calculated, the decided blurriness value V1 of the image forwhich the layout size is calculated, and the resolution of the printer14 (step S72).

It is possible to calculate the layout size in which the image has theblurriness value of equal to or smaller than the blurriness valuedesired by the user (second threshold value V2).

FIG. 12 is an example of a blurriness value setting window displayed onthe display screen of the display apparatus 3.

A blurriness value setting window 80 is used to input the secondthreshold value V2 as described with reference to FIG. 11.

In the blurriness value setting window 80, a plurality of sample imagesI11 to I15 are arranged in one row in the horizontal direction (notnecessarily one row in the horizontal direction). A slide bar 81 isformed below a plurality of sample images I11 to I15. On the slide bar81, a slider 82 that is movable in the horizontal direction according toan instruction from the user is formed. The slider 82 can be movedhorizontally using the mouse 9. The value of the second threshold valueV2 is decided according to the position of the slider 82. The blurrinessvalue represented by the second threshold value V2 becomes smaller asthe slider 82 is positioned on the left side (the blurriness degree issmall), and the blurriness value represented by the second thresholdvalue V2 becomes larger as the slider 82 is positioned on the right side(the blurriness degree is large).

The image having the blurriness value according to the position wherethe slider 82 is positioned is displayed in the sample images I11 toI15. For example, the sample image I11 is an image corresponding to theblurriness value in a case where the slider 82 is positioned below thesample image I11. Similarly, other sample images I12, I13, I14, and I15are images corresponding to the blurriness value in a case where theslider 82 is positioned at the position of each image. By viewing thesample images I11 to I15, it is possible to know what blurriness degreeis allowable, and the user can input the second threshold value V2 withreference to the sample images I11 to I15. By pressing the decisionbutton 83, the blurriness value according to the position of the slider82 is decided.

Without using the slide bar 81 and the slider 82, any image among thesample images I11 to I15 may be selected by the mouse 9 (an example ofan image selecting unit), and the blurriness value corresponding to theselected image may be input as the second threshold value V2. Also, inFIG. 12, the slider 82 (image selecting unit) can select the image. Inorder to grasp the difference in the blurriness degrees of the images,it is preferable that the subjects in the sample images I11 to I15 bethe same.

In a case where the second threshold value V2 is input, in a case wherethe album is created using a plurality of images input by the user, thenumber of images to be used in the album depends on the second thresholdvalue V2. For example, in a case where the second threshold value V2 ofa small blurriness value is input, the image in which the blurriness isequal to or larger than the second threshold value is excluded from thealbum creation, the number of images that can be used in the albumdecreases. On the other hand, the second threshold value V2 of a largeblurriness value is input, the number of images that can be used in thealbum increases. Therefore, the number of images that can be used in thealbum may be calculated according to the input second threshold value,and the user may notify the number thereof. Further, the user may benotified that the number of images that can be used changes depending onthe second threshold value V2 without notifying the number of imagesthat can be used.

FIG. 13 is an example of the blurriness value setting window 80displayed on the display screen of the display apparatus 3. In FIG. 13,the same components as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the samereference numerals and description thereof is be omitted.

On the upper part of the slide bar 81, spread page images I21 and I22configuring the album are displayed. The spread page images I21 and I22are generated by using images having the blurriness value equal to orsmaller than the second threshold value V2 of a plurality ofpredetermined stages (which may be set by the user) (for example, fivestages). The spread page images are generated by the numbercorresponding to the number of stages in which the second thresholdvalue V2 is set, but only two images I21 and I22 are shown in FIG. 13.For example, in a case where the album is generated by using the secondthreshold value V2 of five stages, five spread page images aredisplayed.

In a case where a desired image area in the spread page image I21 or I22is designated and clicked by the cursor 85, an enlarged image I31 or I32of the designated image area is displayed. The enlarged image I31 or I32represents an actual blurriness degree in a case where the spread pageimage I21 or I22 is printed. The user views the enlarged image I31 orI32 and recognizes the actual blurriness degree in a case where thespread page image I21 or I22 is printed, and thus the user sets thesecond threshold value V2 using the slider 82 such that the blurrinessis allowable. Therefore, the album can be created by allowing slightblurriness, adopting images with good composition or images with aspecific subject in the album, or giving priority to images that are notblurred.

FIG. 14 is an example of the blurriness value setting window 80displayed on the display screen of the display apparatus 3. In FIG. 14,the same components as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the samereference numerals and description thereof is be omitted.

Image display areas I40 and I50 are displayed according to the positionof the slider 82. In a case where the slider 82 is positioned on theleft end part of the slide bar 81, the image display area I40 isdisplayed, and in a case where the slider 82 is positioned on the rightend part of the slide bar 81, the image display area I50 is displayed.Even in a case where the slider 82 is positioned at a position otherthan the left end part or the right end part of the slide bar 81, theimage display area corresponding to the position is displayed. Thenumber of images corresponding to the position of the slider 82 isdisplayed in the image display area. The image displayed in the imagedisplay area shows the number (or relative amount) of image having theblurriness value of equal to or smaller than the second threshold valueV2 input depending on the position on the slider 82. The number ofimages displayed in the image display area decreases as the slider 82approaches the left end part, and the number of images displayed in theimage display area increases as the slider 82 approaches the right endpart.

Images I41 to I45 are displayed in the image display area I40, andimages I51 to I62 are displayed in the image display area ISO. The imagedisplay areas I40 and I50 indicate the amount of the image having theblurriness value equal to or smaller than the second threshold value V2designated depending on the position of the slider 82 among theplurality of images input by the user. For example, in a case where theslider 82 is positioned near the left end and the second threshold valueV2 is input, since the number of images having the blurriness valueequal to or smaller than the second threshold value V2 is small, and asmall amount of images I41 to I45 are displayed in the image displayarea I40. On the other hand, in a case where the slider 82 is positionednear the right end and the second threshold value V2 is input, since thenumber of images having the blurriness value equal to or smaller thanthe second threshold value V2 is large, and a relatively large amount ofimages I51 to I62 are displayed in the image display area I50. Theimages I41 to I45 and I51 to I62 displayed in the image display areasI40 and I50 may be images input by the user or sample images. In a casewhere there are too many images to be displayed in the image displayareas I40 and I50 among the images input by the user, the number ofimages proportional to the input second threshold value V2 may bedisplayed in the image display areas I40 and I50.

FIG. 15 is an example of an image ratio setting window 80A after thesecond threshold value V2 is set as above.

The second threshold value V2 is set, the number of images that can beused for printing with the enlargement/reduction rate of equal to orlarger than 100% is decided, thereafter, it is possible to further askthe user what layout to use. That is, it is possible to ask the user togive importance on which of the first policy of laying out by using onlythe image that can be used with the enlargement/reduction rate of equalto or larger than 100%, and the second policy of laying out byincreasing the image which satisfies the second threshold value V2 byreducing the size of the image while considering the second thresholdvalue V2. A slide bar 86 extending right and left is formed, and aslider 87 is movable on the slide bar 86 using the mouse 9. The user candecide to give importance on which of the first policy and the secondpolicy for the images used in the album by using the slider 87. In acase where the slider 87 is moved to the left, the first policy is givenimportance, and the number of images to be used in the album remainssmall, and in a case where the slider 87 is moved to the right, thesecond policy is given importance, and the number of images to be usedin the album increases. The lower limit reduction rate in a case wherethe second policy is given importance (in a case where the slider 87 ismoved to the rightmost side) need only be appropriately determined, andthe lower limit reduction rate may be determined such that an imagesatisfying the second threshold value V2 in a case of reduction by, forexample, equal to or larger than 50% may be used. The slider 87 showshow much the user allows the lower limit reduction rate from 100% on theleft side to 50% on the right side. The layout sample images I61 and I62showing the number of images according to the position of the slider 87are displayed on the upper side of the slide bar 86. Although two layoutsample images I61 and I62 are displayed in FIG. 15, three or more layoutsample images may be displayed.

The layout sample image I61 shows an album with a small number ofimages, and the layout sample image I62 shows an album with a largenumber of images.

Since the number of images that can be used in the album depends on theallowable reduction rate represented by the slider 87, the number ofimages that can be used in the album can increase or decrease byadjusting the allowable reduction rate. For example, with the allowablereduction rate input by the user, since the number of images that can beused in the album is small and the blurriness value is large, the imagesthat the user originally wanted to use may be excluded from the imagegroup that can be used in the album, and the album desired by the usercannot be generated. The above case is likely to occur in a case wherethe reduction rate of 100% on the left side is set. In such a case, forexample, the allowable reduction rate is changed such that the imagewith poor image quality can be used. Then, the number of images that canbe used in the album can increase, and the album desired by the user canbe generated while considering the second threshold value V2 regardingthe blurriness value.

FIG. 16 is an example of an album size setting window 80B after thesecond threshold value V2 is set as above.

The second threshold value V2 is set, the number of images that can beused for printing with the enlargement/reduction rate of equal to orlarger than 100% is decided, thereafter, it is possible to further askthe user the size of the album. That is, it is possible to ask the userto give importance on which of the third policy of generating the albumby using only the image that can be used with the enlargement/reductionrate of equal to or larger than 100%, and the fourth policy ofgenerating the album by increasing the image which satisfies the secondthreshold value V2 by reducing the size of the image while consideringthe second threshold value V2. A slide bar 88 extending right and leftis formed, and a slider 89 is movable on the slide bar 88 using themouse 9. The size of the album to be created can be decided using theslider 89. In a case where the slider 89 is moved to the left, thefourth policy is given importance, the large album with more images(including the reduced image) is obtained, and in a case where theslider 89 is moved to the right, the small album (with only image thatcan be used with the enlargement/reduction rate equal to or larger than100%) is obtained. The lower limit reduction rate in a case where thefourth policy is given importance (in a case where the slider 89 ismoved to the leftmost side) need only be appropriately determined, andthe lower limit reduction rate may be set such that an image satisfyingthe second threshold value V2 in a case of reduction by, for example,equal to or larger than 50% may be used. The slider 89 shows how muchthe user allows the lower limit reduction rate from 50% on the left sideto 100% on the right side. The album sample images I71 and I72 showingthe number of albums according to the position of the slider 89 aredisplayed on the upper side of the slide bar 88. Although two albumsample images I71 and I72 are displayed in FIG. 16, three or more albumsample images may be displayed.

The album sample image I71 shows a large size album, and the albumsample image I72 shows a small size album. For large album, the imageattachment area is specified so that the number of images printed on thealbum is relatively large, and for small album, the image attachmentarea is specified so that the number of images printed on the album isrelatively smal.

As described above, since the number of images that can be used in thealbum depends on the allowable reduction rate represented by the slider89, the number of images that can be used in the album can increase ordecrease by adjusting the allowable reduction rate. For example, withthe allowable reduction rate input by the user, since the number ofimages that can be used in the album is small and the blurriness valueis large, the images that the user originally wanted to use may beexcluded from the image group that can be used in the album, and thealbum desired by the user (large size album) cannot be generated. Theabove case is likely to occur in a case where the reduction rate of 100%on the right side is set. In such a case, for example, the allowablereduction rate is changed such that the image with poor image qualitycan be used. Then, the number of images that can be used in the albumcan increase, and the large size album desired by the user can begenerated while considering the second threshold value V2 regarding theblurriness value.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show other embodiments, in which a relationship of theblurriness degrees between the main subject and the background in a caseof imaging is maintained for the output image.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing procedure of theimage layout size calculation apparatus 1, which is performed after theprocessing of step S26 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 18 is anexample of a captured image.

As shown in FIG. 18, an image area 100 of the main subject in the imageI20 is detected by the CPU 2 (step S91). In the image I20, theblurriness value of the detected image area 100 of the main subject andthe blurriness value of the other image area 101 excluding the imagearea 100 of the main subject are calculated by the CPU 2 (blurrinessvalue calculation unit) (step S92).

The image having a size equal to or smaller than the calculated layoutsize is processed (enlarged or reduced) by the CPU 2 (image processingunit) while the relationship between the blurriness value of the imagearea 100 of the main subject and the blurriness value of the other imagearea 101 is maintained (step 93). The image subjected to the imageprocessing is output, for example, printed by the printer 14 (step S94).

In a case where the main subject is focused and the background isintentionally blurred in a case of imaging, in a case where the size ofthe image is reduced, the blurriness of the background may disappear.According to the above embodiments, the relationship of the blurrinessdegrees between the main subject and the background can be maintainedeven in a case where the size of the image is reduced.

In the above embodiments, the image layout size calculation apparatus 1may be realized by using a personal computer or the like, or by using amultifunctional mobile phone such as a smartphone or a plate computersuch as a tablet.

The processing unit executing the above processing include, in additionto the CPU 2 executing the software and functioning as the variousprocessing units, a programmable logic device whose circuitconfiguration can be changed after manufacture, such as a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), and a dedicated electric circuit that isa processor having a circuit configuration that is designed forexclusive use in order to execute specific processing, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

One processing unit may be configured by one of these variousprocessors, or two or more processors of the same type or differenttypes (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, or a combination of the CPUand the FPGA). As an example of configuring a plurality of processingunits with one processor, first, as represented by a computer such as aclient computer or a server, there is a form in which one processor isconfigured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and theprocessor functions as a plurality of processing units. Second, asrepresented by a system on chip (SoC), there is a form in which aprocessor is used that realizes the functions of the entire systemincluding a plurality of processing units with a single integratedcircuit (IC) chip. As described above, the various processing units areconfigured by one or more of the above various processors as a hardwarestructure.

Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, morespecifically, an electric circuit in which circuit elements such assemiconductor elements are combined.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image layout size calculation apparatuscomprising: a blurriness value decision unit that decides a blurrinessvalue, which represents a blurriness degree, of equal to or smaller thana first threshold value among blurriness values for image areas, fromone image; and a layout size calculation unit that calculates a layoutsize of the image in which the blurriness value is equal to or smallerthan a second threshold value based on the blurriness value decided bythe blurriness value decision unit, the number of pixels of the image,and resolution of an output apparatus of the image.
 2. The image layoutsize calculation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising asharpness emphasizing unit that emphasizes a sharpness of the image,wherein the layout size calculation unit calculates the layout size ofthe image in which the blurriness value of the image is equal to orsmaller than the second threshold value based on the blurriness valuedecided by the blurriness value decision unit, the number of pixels ofthe image, the resolution of the output apparatus of the image, and anemphasis degree of a sharpness by the sharpness emphasizing unit.
 3. Theimage layout size calculation apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising an output control unit that makes the image fit into a framehaving a size equal to or smaller than the layout size calculated by thelayout size calculation unit, and causes the output apparatus to outputthe image.
 4. The image layout size calculation apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein the output control unit makes the image fit into theframe having the size equal to or smaller than the layout sizecalculated by the layout size calculation unit, sets the resolution ofthe image to be equal to or smaller than the resolution capable of beingdistinguished at an observation distance, and causes the outputapparatus to output the image.
 5. The image layout size calculationapparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a frame designationunit that designates the frame for outputting the image; a warning unitthat issues a warning in response to the size of the frame designated bythe frame designation unit being larger than the layout size calculatedby the layout size calculation unit; and an output command inputtingunit that inputs an output command, wherein the output control unitmakes the image fit into the frame designated by the frame designationunit and causes the output apparatus to output the image, in response tothe output command being input from the output command inputting unitafter the warning unit issues a warning.
 6. The image layout sizecalculation apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: ablurriness value calculation unit that calculates a blurriness valuerepresenting a blurriness degree of an image area of a main subject inthe image and a blurriness value representing a blurriness degree of animage area excluding the main subject; and an image processing unit thatperforms image processing that maintains a relationship between theblurriness value representing the blurriness degree of the image area ofthe main subject and the blurriness value representing the blurrinessdegree of the image area excluding the main subject which are calculatedby the blurriness value calculation unit, with respect to the imagefitted into the frame having the size equal to or smaller than thelayout size calculated by the layout size calculation unit, wherein theoutput control unit makes the image subjected to the image processing bythe image processing unit fit into the frame having the size equal to orsmaller than the layout size calculated by the layout size calculationunit, and causes the output apparatus to output the image.
 7. The imagelayout size calculation apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a threshold value inputting unit that inputs the secondthreshold value, wherein the layout size calculation unit calculates thelayout size in which the blurriness value is equal to or smaller thanthe second threshold value input by the threshold value inputting unitbased on the blurriness value decided by the blurriness value decisionunit and the resolution of the output apparatus of the image.
 8. Theimage layout size calculation apparatus according to claim 7, furthercomprising an image selecting unit that selects an image having anallowable blurriness degree among a plurality of sample images havingdifferent blurriness degrees, wherein the threshold value inputting unitinputs the second threshold value corresponding to the image selected bythe image selecting unit.
 9. The image layout size calculation apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the blurriness value decision unit decidesa smallest blurriness value in the image from one image.
 10. The imagelayout size calculation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thelayout size calculation unit calculates the layout size in which theblurriness of the image is eliminated, based on the blurriness valuedecided by the blurriness value decision unit, the number of pixels ofthe image, and the resolution of the output apparatus of the image. 11.The image layout size calculation apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the layout size calculation unit calculates a maximum layoutsize in which the blurriness value is equal to or smaller than thesecond threshold value based on the blurriness value decided by theblurriness value decision unit, the number of pixels of the image, andthe resolution of the output apparatus of the image.
 12. An image layoutsize calculation method comprising: causing a blurriness value decisionunit to decide a blurriness value, which represents a blurriness degree,of equal to or smaller than a first threshold value among blurrinessvalues for image areas, from one image; and causing a layout sizecalculation unit to calculate a layout size of the image in which theblurriness value is equal to or smaller than a second threshold valuebased on the blurriness value decided by the blurriness value decisionunit, the number of pixels of the image, and resolution of an outputapparatus of the image.
 13. A non-transitory recording medium storing acomputer-readable program that controls a computer of an image layoutsize calculation apparatus to execute: deciding a blurriness value,which represents a blurriness degree, of equal to or smaller than afirst threshold value among blurriness values for image areas, from oneimage; and calculating a layout size of the image in which theblurriness value is equal to or smaller than a second threshold valuebased on the blurriness value decided, the number of pixels of theimage, and resolution of an output apparatus of the image.